Portable electronic device enclosure

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for protecting a portable electronic device, e.g., a handheld computer system. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an encasing structure having an opening and configured to receive and have disposed therewithin the handheld computer system. The present invention is further comprised of a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The lifting device is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower the handheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasing structure. The encasing structure can be used to protect input/output ports or slots, I/Os externally disposed on side surfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computer system is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting device enables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure to provide access to the I/Os. In one embodiment, a push-push hinge can be utilized as the lifting device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation Application of, and claims benefit to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/925,771, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,688,581,filed Aug. 24, 2004, to Lam and Nguyen, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, which in turn was a ContinuationApplication of, and claims benefit to, U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,552, filedAug. 12, 2002, to Lam and Nguyen, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable computer system. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides a pop-up enclosure systemwhich provides protection for a portable electronic device, e.g., aportable computer system.

BACKGROUND

Because advances in technology have enabled the miniaturization of thecomponents required to build computer systems, new categories ofcomputer systems have been created. One of the newer categories ofcomputer systems developed is the portable, palmtop, or “handheld”computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA.Other examples of handheld computer systems include electronic addressbooks, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and the like.

A handheld computer system is a computer that is small enough to be heldin the user's hand. As a result, handheld computers are portable andtherefore readily carried about in a user's briefcase, purse, and insome instances, in a user's pocket. By virtue of its size, the handheldcomputer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionallyconvenient.

Many of today's portable computer systems are configured with a varietyof externally disposed ports which may be wired, wireless expansion,accessory, and/or communication. For example, some parts are infra-redports, expansion slots, display and sound controls, communicationinterface, e.g., serial interface and/or printer ports, USBconnectivity, rotatable and/or extendible antennas, power connectors,and others which provide enhanced user interaction with a portableelectronic device. The above listed components are commonly referred toas input/outputs or I/Os.

However, by virtue of the external disposition of the above-mentionedI/Os, they are susceptible to damage from such actions as beingaccidentally dropped or kicked, inadvertently being improperly touchedor interconnected, and the like. Further, external disposition of I/Oscan permit incidental debris, e.g., dust particles, pieces of paper,dirt, small bits of gum, etc., and water or other liquids to be lodgedwithin an I/O. Additionally, depending upon the portable electronicdevice, some debris can work its way into the device, which can cause amalfunction or a failure of a portable electronic device. Exposed I/Oscan also become weathered or corroded by direct exposure to theelements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a need exists for a mechanism that provides protection toexternally disposed I/Os of a portable electronic device. A further needexists for a mechanism that achieves the above listed need and whichfurther provides ready access to those I/Os being protected.

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to providing a pop-upenclosure system that provides protection to externally disposed I/Os ofa portable electronic device and which further enables ready access tothose I/Os. In one embodiment, the enclosure system can be push-pushactivated.

In one embodiment, the enclosure system includes an encasing structurehaving an opening and configured to receive and have disposedtherewithin the handheld computer system. The enclosure system furtherincludes a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The liftingdevice is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above theconfines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower thehandheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasingstructure, when the handheld computer system is coupled to the liftingdevice. The encasing structure protects I/Os externally disposed on sidesurfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computersystem is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting deviceenables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of theencasing structure to provide access to the I/Os.

In one embodiment, the user may push down on the computer system to“pop” it down within the enclosure. In the closed state, the I/O portsare protected. When closed in this state, the user can also push down onthe system, thereby releasing the mechanism causing the system to “pop”out of the enclosure. In this way, the system is a push-push mechanismfor protecting externally disposed I/O ports on the computer system.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will nodoubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after havingread the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentswhich are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a portable electronic device upon whichembodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of a portable electronic device upon whichembodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

FIG. 1C is a rear view of another portable electronic device upon whichembodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

FIG. 1D is a rear view of yet another portable electronic device uponwhich embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of an enclosing system adapted to encompass aportable electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view block diagram illustrating a height dimension ofan enclosing system, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2C is a side view block diagram illustrating an alternative heightdimension of an enclosing system, in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a top view perspective illustration of an enclosing systemhaving a hinge device, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2E is a top view perspective illustration of an enclosing systemhaving another hinge device, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2F is a top view perspective illustration of an enclosing systemhaving a plurality of hinge devices, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2G is a top view perspective illustration of an enclosing systemhaving a retainer coupled with a hinge device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2H is a top view illustration of an enclosing system having analternative retainer coupled with a hinge device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2I is side view illustration depicting a portable electronic devicehaving an externally disposed input/output port which is protected by anenclosing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2J is a side view illustration of the portable electronic device ofFIG. 2G in a position for accessing the externally disposed input/outputport, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2K is a side view illustration of the portable electronic device ofFIG. 2H having been returned to a protected position within an enclosingsystem, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an enclosing system with a portableelectronic device disposed therein, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an enclosing system with a portion of aportable electronic device disposed outside the confines of theenclosing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an enclosing system with another portionof a portable electronic device disposed outside the confines of theenclosing apparatus therein, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3D is a sequential illustration of the enclosing apparatus and theportable electronic device of FIG. 3C oriented in a user viewing mode,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is an illustration of an enclosing system with a portableelectronic device entirely disposed outside the confines of theenclosing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3F is an illustration of an enclosing system with a portablecomputer system in a landscape viewing mode, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to an enclosure systemfor a portable electronic device, e.g., a portable computer system. Inthe following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. To one skilled in the art, thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention are discussed primarily in thecontext of a portable electronic device such as a portable computersystem, e.g., a handheld computer system or a personal digitalassistant. For purposes of the present application, the term “portableelectronic device” is not intended to be limited solely to conventionalhandheld or portable computers. Instead, the term “portable electronicdevice” or “handheld computer system” is also intended to include anymobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are notlimited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones,electronic address books, wrist-mounted electronic devices, and numerousother mobile devices. As such, for purposes of the present application,the terms “portable electronic device” and “handheld computer system”will be considered synonymous and will be used interchangeably.Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can be implementedwith other types of electronic devices including, but not limited to, ahandheld computer system.

FIG. 1A is a front view illustration of a portable electronic device,e.g., handheld computer system 100, upon which embodiments of thepresent invention can be practiced. Handheld computer system 100 isshown having a top side edge portion indicated as 110 t, a bottom sideedge portion indicated as 110 b, a left side edge portion indicated as110 l, and a right side edge portion indicated as 110 r. Handheldcomputer system 100 is shown also having a display side 110 d, the frontfacing side, and a rear facing side, 110 r. Display side/front facingside 110 d is the side of handheld computer system 100 with the displaydevice disposed thereon and rear facing side 110 r is that side ofhandheld computer system 100 opposite display side/front facing side 110d.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, handheld computer system 100 is shown havinga plurality of input/output ports, e.g., I/Os, disposed along theperimeter edge surface thereof. For example, handheld computer system100 can have externally disposed along the perimeter edge, but is notlimited to, a expansion slot 101, an infra-red port 102, an on/off powerbutton 103, an extendible/retractable antenna 104, a parallel port 105,an electrical/communication interface 106, a USB interface 107, and adisplay or volume control 108. Also shown is battery area 109, forstoring user serviceable batteries. Battery area 109 andelectrical/communication interface 106 are located on rear facing side110 r, the surface opposite display side 110 d. It is noted that thenumber and location of I/Os on handheld computer system 100 is forillustrative purposes and should not be construed as a limitation. I/Oscan be placed virtually anyplace on the surface of device 100 that doesnot conflict with an existing user interface element.

FIG. 1B is an illustrated view of the rear portion (110 r) of a portableelectronic device, e.g., handheld computer system 100 b, upon whichembodiments of the present invention can be practiced. Shown areelectrical/communication interface 106, and battery area 109.

FIG. 1C is an illustrated view of the rear portion (110 r) of anotherportable electronic device, e.g., handheld computer system 100 c, uponwhich embodiments of the present invention can be practiced. Shown areelectrical/communication interface 106 and a secondary retentionfeature, e.g., receptacle 145. Receptacle 145 is adapted to receivetherein a correspondingly configured insertable mechanical portion,e.g., insertable portion 245 of hinge 240 d of FIG. 2D. Receptacle 145,in one embodiment, enables handheld computer system 100 c, analogous tohandheld computer system 100 of FIG. 1A to be disposed proximal to andmechanically retained therewith another device, such as a docking orcharging cradle, or in another implementation, coupled to an enclosuresystem, e.g., enclosure 200 d of FIG. 2D, in accordance with the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1D, in another example, a plurality of secondaryretention features, e.g., receptacles 146 a and 146 b are disposed uponthe rear portion (110 r) of a handheld computer system 100 d.Receptacles 146 a and 146 b are each adapted to receive acorrespondingly configured insertable portion, e.g., insertable portions246 a and 246 b of hinge 240 e of FIG. 2E. Receptacles 146 a and 146 b,in one embodiment, enable handheld computer system 100 d, analogous tohandheld computer system 100 of FIG. 1A, to be disposed proximal to andmechanically retained therewith another device, such as a docking orcharging cradle, or in another implementation, coupled to an enclosuresystem, e.g., enclosure 200 e of FIG. 2E, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of an enclosure system, enclosure 200, in oneembodiment of the present invention. Enclosure 200 is adapted to protectexternally disposed I/Os from damage. Enclosure 200 is adapted toencircle the perimeter edge of a portable electronic device, e.g.,handheld computer system 100 of FIG. 1A, indicated as dotted line 100.Enclosure 200 is, in one embodiment, configured slightly larger than theperimeter of the portable electronic device it is adapted to enclose,enabling a handheld computer system 100 to be disposed therewithin.Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to beutilized with nearly any portable electronic device including, but notlimited to, a handheld computer system, e.g., handheld computer system100 of FIG. 1A.

In one embodiment, enclosure 200 can have four connected sidestructures, e.g., top edge side 210 t, bottom edge side 210 b, left edgeside 210 l and right edge side 210 r, thereby encompassing a handheldcomputer system which would be disposed therewithin. In anotherembodiment, enclosure 200 can also have a backing portion, e.g., back210 e, which can provide backing and support to portable electronicdevice 100. It is noted that by virtue of the angle of the illustrationof enclosure 200 in FIG. 2, back 210 e is not visible, but is indicatedby a solid and dotted line.

Enclosure 200 also includes a lifting device, e.g., hinge 240 (shown inFIGS. 2D-2K) disposed within and coupled thereto, in one embodiment ofthe present invention. Hinge 240 enables a handheld computer system tobe raised above the enclosing structures and lowered to a dispositionwithin enclosure 200. In one embodiment, hinge 240 enables one end ofhandheld computer system 100 (110 t) to be raised above enclosure 200while the opposite end (110 b) of handheld computer system remainsdisposed within enclosure 200, and vice-versa, as described in FIGS. 3B,3C, and 3D.

FIG. 2B is side view illustration of an enclosing system 200 b,analogous to enclosure 200 of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, enclosing system 200 b is approximatelythe same height as handheld computer system 100 (indicated by the dottedline) it is adapted to have disposed therewith in.

FIG. 2C is a side view illustration of an enclosing system 200 c,analogous to enclosure 200 of FIG. 2A, in another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, enclosing system 200 c is smallerin height than handheld computer system 100 (indicated by the dottedline) it is adapted to have disposed therewithin.

FIG. 2D is a top view illustration of an enclosing system, e.g.,enclosing system 200 d shown having lifting device, e.g., hinge 240 d,coupled therewith, in one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, hinge 240 d is disposed amid enclosure 200 d and isconfigured with an insertable mechanical portion 245 which is configuredto be received in a secondary retention feature of handheld computersystem 100 d, e.g., receptacle 145 of FIG. 1C. Hinge 240 d is adapted tohave coupled thereto a portable electronic device, e.g., handheldcomputer system 100 having a rear portion 100 c including receptacle145, as shown in FIG. 1C. By utilizing a secondary retention featureprovided by handheld computer system 100 c, additional retentivemechanisms to retain coupling of a portable electronic device, e.g.,handheld computer system 100 c, to hinge 240 d can be eliminated.

FIG. 2E is a top view illustration of an enclosing system 200 e shownhaving a lifting device, e.g., hinge 240 e, coupled therewith, in oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, hinge 240 e isdisposed amid enclosure 200 e and is configured with a plurality ofinsertable portions 246 a and 246 b which are configured to be receivedin secondary retention features of a handheld computer system 100, e.g.,receptacles 146 a and 146 b of handheld computer system 100 d of FIG.1D. By utilizing the secondary retention features provided by handheldcomputer system 100 d of FIG. 1D, the need for additional or alternativeretentive mechanisms to retain coupling of a portable electronic device,e.g., handheld computer system 100 d to hinge 240 d, can be obviated.

FIG. 2F is a top view illustration of an enclosing system 200 f shownhaving a plurality of lifting devices, hinges 240 f-1 to 240 f-4,coupled therewith, in another embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2 are disposed at one end ofenclosure 200 f while hinges 240 f-3 and 240 f-4 are disposed at anopposite end. It is noted that hinge 240 f can be disposed anywherewithin the confines of enclosure system 200 f, and that hinge 240 f caninstanced singularly, similar to hinge 240 e of FIG. 2E, plurally, e.g.,a pair of hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2, or in plural pairs as shown.

FIG. 2G is a top view illustration of an enclosing system 200 g shownhaving a plurality of lifting devices, hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2,coupled therewith, in another embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2 are disposed at an edge sideportion of enclosure 200 f. It is noted that hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2can be disposed at any edge side portion of enclosure 200 f or anywherein-between. It is also noted that hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2 can also bedisposed in pairs at opposing edge side portions of enclosure 200 f. Byvirtue of hinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2 not configured with insertableportions adapted to be received by a handheld computer system, asdescribed in FIGS. 2D and 2E, alternative retention mechanisms need toimplemented to retain a handheld computer system to hinges 240 f-1 and240 f-2 in one example, a retainer, e.g., retainer 280, can be used as aretention mechanism, similar to prongs used to retain gems in a jewelrysetting. In this retainer example, retainer 280 is configured to retaina handheld computer system by grasping the corners and is coupled withhinges 240 f-1 and 240 f-2. In another embodiment, retainer 280 isconfigured with a corresponding receptacle area for receiving theinsertable mechanical portion 245 of hinge 240 d, as indicated with adotted line. In this manner, retainer 280 can be coupled with hinge 240d, and a handheld computer system 100 d can be retained in retainer 280.In another example, a slot or receiving region, can be used as aretention mechanism, similar to a cassette slot for holding a cassette.It is noted that nearly any type of retentive mechanism can beimplemented to couple and retain a handheld computer system to hinge240. As such, retainer 280 is for illustrative purposes and should notconstrued as a limitation with regard to the configuration of theretentive mechanism used to retain a handheld computer system 100 to ahinge 240.

FIG. 2H is a top view illustration of an enclosing system 200 h shownhaving a retainer, e.g., retainer 281 adapted to be coupled to a hinge,e.g., hinge 240 e of FIG. 2E. Retainer 281 is configured to retain ahandheld computer system, e.g., handheld computer system 100 c of FIG.1C. Retainer 281 is configured with a corresponding receptacle area forreceiving the insertable mechanical portion 246 a and 246 b of hinge 240e, as indicated with a dotted line. In this manner, retainer 281 can becoupled with hinge 240 e, and a handheld computer system 100 c can beretained in retainer 280.

FIG. 2I is a side view illustration of an enclosure system, e.g.,enclosure system 200 of FIG. 2, having a hinge, e.g., hinge 240 coupledtherewith, in one embodiment of the present invention. In thisillustration, a handheld computer system, e.g., handheld computer system100 of FIG. 1A is shown disposed within the confines of enclosure system200, indicated by a dotted line. Handheld computer system 100 is shownhaving an externally disposed I/O, e.g., I/O 105. I/O 105 is protectedby enclosure 200 when within the confines thereof. Although in FIGS. 2I,J, and K, handheld computer system is shown having one I/O externallydisposed, e.g., I/O 105, it is for illustrative purposes and should notbe construed as a limitation. It is noted that nearly any number of I/Oscan be externally disposed thereon and that enclosure system 200 canprovide access to and protection for any number of externally disposedI/Os.

Still referring to FIG. 2I, in one embodiment, hinge 240 is a push-pushtype hinge. A push-push type hinge, also referred to as apush-to-activated hinge, is a hinge that is activated when pressed. Forexample, a first force (a downward push) is applied to a surface ofhandheld computer system 100 disposed within enclosure system 200. Apush on handheld computer system activates hinge 240, and initiateslifting of handheld computer system 100.

FIG. 2J is a sequential illustration of enclosure system 200 of FIG. 2Isubsequent to a first force being applied to a surface of handheldcomputer system 100. In this figure, hinge 240 has elevated handheldcomputer system nearly completely above the confines of enclosure system200 (indicated by a solid and dotted line) which exposes I/O 105 therebyproviding access thereto. Hinge 240 is configured to retain handheldcomputer system in an elevated position, as shown, until a second force(a downward push) is applied to a surface of handheld computer system100.

FIG. 2K is a sequential illustration of enclosure system 200 of FIG. 2J,subsequent to a second force being applied to a surface of handheldcomputer system 100. In this figure, hinge 240 has lowered handheldcomputer system 100 to a disposition within the confines of enclosuresystem 200, thereby providing protection to I/O 105.

It is noted that hinge 240 can be implemented singularly, plurally, inpairs, and in plural pairs, nearly anywhere within enclosure 200. Hinge240 can be configured to comply with the form factor and retentionfeatures of nearly any type of handheld computer system. As such, hinges240 d, 240 e, and 240 f, as shown in FIGS. 2D, 2E and 2F, and hinge 240of FIGS. 2I, J, and K, should be construed as illustrative, and notconsidered limiting with regard to location, instancing, orconfiguration.

Collectively referring to FIGS. 3A-3F, shown are illustrative examplesof functionalities as provided by embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a side view perspective of portable electronic device,e.g., handheld computer system 100 (indicated by a dotted line),disposed within enclosure 200, in one embodiment of the presentinvention. Enclosure 200 of FIGS. 3A-3F is analogous to enclosure 200 ofFIGS. 2A-2F. Handheld computer system 100 of FIG. 3 is analogous tohandheld computer system 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A depicts handheldcomputer system 100 in a recessed position, in one embodiment of thepresent invention. In one embodiment, a force can be applied to (e.g.,to the exposed display side 110 d of) handheld computer system 100 toextend handheld computer system 100 from within the confines ofenclosure 200, exposing I/Os disposed along the peripheral edge surfacethereof, as described in FIG. 1A. In one embodiment, force can beapplied (pressing down) to handheld computer system 100 in a pluralityof locations, as indicated by arrows 51, 52, and 53.

In FIG. 3B, in another example and in a side view perspective, a force,e.g., a downward push, near top edge 110 t of handheld computer system100 was applied thereto, as indicated by arrow 52, and in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention, hinge 240 has raised thatportion of handheld computer system 100 (110 t) nearest the appliedforce (arrow 52) to a position extended above the confines of enclosure200. It is noted that the opposite edge, bottom edge 110 b of handheldcomputer system 100 remained within the confines of enclosure 200. Inthis example, handheld computer system 100 is in a customary viewingposition, e.g., display device is right side up and oriented facing theuser.

In FIG. 3C, in another example and also in a side view perspective, aforce, e.g., a downward push, near bottom edge 110 b of handheldcomputer system 100 was applied thereto, as indicated by arrow 50, andin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, hinge 240has raised that portion of handheld computer system 100 (110 b) nearestthe applied force (arrow 50) to a position extended above the confinesof enclosure 200, while the opposite edge, top edge 110 t remainedwithin the confines of enclosure 200.

In FIG. 3D, in a side view perspective and continuing sequentially fromFIG. 3C, enclosure 200 and handheld computer system 100 have beenrotated from a horizontal position and an extended upward angle,respectively, as shown in FIG. 3C, to a more vertical position. In thisposition, enclosure 200 supports handheld computer system 100 in anupright or portrait viewing orientation. Further, by virtue ofelectrical/communication interface 106 being accessible, handheldcomputer system 100 can be coupled with a variety of devices andaccessories including, but not limited to, a cradle for communicationwith other computer systems, electrical connectors for providing poweror for recharging, a portable keyboard, and the like. Advantageously, byvirtue of enclosure 200 providing support to handheld computer system100 in an upright viewing orientation, enclosure 200 also reducestorsion at electrical/communicative interface 106 when coupled withvarious components and/or accessories.

In FIG. 3E, in another example, a force, e.g., a downward push,approximately equidistant from top edge 100 t and bottom edge 100 b wasapplied to handheld computer system 100, as indicated by arrow 51, andin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, hinge 240raises handheld computer system 100 to a position fully extended aboveenclosure 200. Optionally, in another example, simultaneous forceapplied at top edge 100 t and bottom edge 100 b, as indicated by arrows50 and 52 in dotted boxes, can achieve analogous results to a forceapplied at arrow 51, in another embodiment of the present invention.Another force at either arrow 51 or a both arrows 50 and 52 willactivate hinge 240 and will cause handheld computer to be lowered backto its original position within enclosure 200.

FIG. 3F is a sequential illustration of FIG. 3E. In this figure,subsequent to handheld computer system 100 being extended fully aboveenclosure 200, handheld computer system 100 can be rotated about an axisto position a display device to be facing toward in a user, although inthis example the display device is in a landscape or horizontalorientation. It is noted that in one embodiment, a hinge, e.g., hinge240 d or 240 e, when so configured, can elevate handheld computer system100 above enclosure system, as shown in FIG. 3E. In another embodiment,hinge 240 f or a plurality thereof, when so configured, can be utilizedto elevate handheld computer system 100 above the confines of enclosuresystem 200, enabling viewing of handheld computer system 100 in alandscape mode. This is particularly advantageous for those handheldcomputer systems 100 that are configured with display controllers thatprovide landscape oriented display functionality.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 of steps performed in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention for utilizing an enclosing system,e.g., enclosing system 200 of FIG. 2 to protect and access I/Osexternally disposed on a portable electronic device, such as handheldcomputer system 100. Alternatively, flowchart 400 can be analogouslyperformed utilizing interface 55 of FIG. 5B. Flowchart 400 includesprocesses of the present invention which, in one embodiment, are carriedout by a mechanical device or a plurality of mechanical devices, e.g.,lifting device 240 (d, e, or f, of FIG. 2D, 2E, or 2F). The mechanicaldevices reside, in one embodiment, within enclosing system 200. Althoughspecific steps are disclosed in flowchart 400, such steps are exemplary.That is, the present invention is well suited to performing variousother steps or variations of the steps recited in FIG. 4.

In step 402 of FIG. 4, a lifting device, e.g., hinge 240 d, e, or f ofFIG. 2D, E, or F is activated (as described in FIGS. 2I-K and FIGS.3A-3F), to reposition an edge side portion of a portable electronicdevice, e.g., handheld computer system 100 from a disposition within anopening of an enclosing structure (as shown in FIG. 2I and FIG. 3A) to adisposition above the enclosing structure while an opposite edge sideportion of the handheld computer system remains disposed within theenclosing structure, as shown in FIG. 3B. Disposing a portion ofhandheld computer system 100 above the enclosing structure, as shown inFIG. 2J, provides access to the I/Os externally disposed (FIG. 1A) onsaid handheld computer system. The lifting device is coupled with theenclosing structure and is adapted to have coupled thereto handheldcomputer system 100.

In step 404 of FIG. 4, the lifting device, hinge 240, is re-activated(also described in FIGS. 2I-2K and FIGS. 3A-3F) to reposition the edgeside portion of the handheld computer system from the disposition abovethe enclosing structure (FIG. 3B) to the disposition within the openingof the enclosing structure, as shown in FIG. 2K and FIG. 3A. Thedisposition of the handheld computer system within the enclosingstructure provides protection to the I/Os.

In conclusion, by providing an enclosing system that enables access toand provides for I/Os externally disposed on a portable electronicdevice, e.g., handheld computer system 100, embodiments of the presentinvention enable a user to easily protect and readily access I/Os on ahandheld computer system. Advantageously, this can decrease instances ofaccidental damage to I/Os as well as reducing the amount of dust andother particles that can infiltrate into the I/Os and into the handheldcomputer system, which can extend the life of the handheld computersystem.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A case for a handheld computer system comprising: an encasingstructure configured to receive said handheld computer system, saidencasing structure comprising a length dimension, a width dimension anda height dimension; a lifting mechanism coupled to said encasingstructure for lifting said handheld computer system from a closedposition to an open position, wherein said open position is above saidheight dimension and within said width and said length dimensions ofsaid encasing structure.
 2. The case as recited in claim 1 wherein saidencasing structure, in said closed position, protects externallyaccessible ports of said handheld computer system.
 3. The case asrecited in claim 1 wherein said encasing structure, in said openposition, allows access to external ports of said handheld computersystem.
 4. The case as recited in claim 1 wherein said lifting mechanismlocks said handheld computer system within said height, length and widthdimensions of said encasing structure in said closed position.
 5. Thecase as recited in claim 1 wherein said length, width and heightdimensions of said encasing structure are slightly larger than height,width and length dimensions of said handheld computer system.
 6. Thecase as recited in claim 1 wherein said lifting mechanism is configuredto raise a side of said handheld computer system above said heightdimension of said encasing structure while maintaining an opposite sideof said handheld computer below said height dimension of said encasingstructure.
 7. The case as recited in claim 1 wherein said liftingmechanism is configured to raise said handheld computer system entirelyabove said height dimension of said encasing structure.
 8. An encasingstructure for a handheld computer system comprising: a length dimension,a width dimension and a height dimension; an opening configured toreceive said handheld computer system; and a lifting mechanism forlifting said handheld computer system from a closed position to an openposition, wherein said open position is above said height dimension. 9.The encasing structure as recited in claim 8 wherein in said closedposition, said encasing structure protects externally accessible portsof said handheld computer system.
 10. The encasing structure as recitedin claim 8 wherein in said open position, said encasing structure allowsaccess to external ports of said handheld computer system.
 11. Theencasing structure as recited in claim 8 wherein said lifting mechanismlocks said handheld computer system within said height, length and widthdimensions in said closed position.
 12. The encasing structure asrecited in claim 8 wherein said length, width and height dimensions areslightly larger than height, width and length dimensions of saidhandheld computer system.
 13. The encasing structure as recited in claim8 wherein said lifting mechanism is configured to raise a side of saidhandheld computer system above said height dimension of said encasingstructure while maintaining an opposite side of said handheld computerbelow said height dimension of said encasing structure.
 14. The encasingstructure as recited in claim 8 wherein said lifting mechanism isconfigured to raise said handheld computer system entirely above saidheight dimension of said encasing structure.
 15. A system for protectingexternally disposed ports on a handheld computer system comprising:enclosing means adapted to receive and have disposed therein saidhandheld computer system, said enclosing means having length, width andheight dimensions; and lifting means coupled with said enclosing meansand configured to couple with said handheld computer system, saidlifting means adapted to raise and lower a portion of said handheldcomputer system above and below said height dimension; wherein saidenclosing means protects said externally disposed ports and wherein saidlifting means enables access to said externally disposed ports uponraising said portion of said handheld computer system above the confinesof said enclosing means.
 16. The system as described in claim 15 whereinsaid lifting means comprises a first positioning means and a secondpositioning means for positioning said portion of said handheld computersystem in a first position and in a second position.
 17. The system asdescribed in claim 15 wherein said lifting means is adapted to raisesaid handheld computer system entirely above said height dimension ofsaid enclosing means.
 18. The system as described in claim 15 whereinsaid lifting means is activated in response to a push upon a surface ofsaid handheld computer system.
 19. A method for protecting and accessingexternally disposed ports on a handheld computer system comprising:raising a portion of said handheld computer system above a heightdimension of an enclosing structure for accessing said externallydisposed ports of said handheld computer system, said raising performedvia a lifting device configured to raise and lower said handheldcomputer, said lifting device adapted to couple with said handheldcomputer system, said enclosing structure adapted to receive saidhandheld computer system wherein said raising positions said handheldcomputer system within a length dimension and a width dimension of saidenclosing structure; and lowering said portion of said handheld computersystem, via said lifting device, within said height dimension of saidenclosing structure for protecting said externally disposed ports ofsaid handheld computer system.
 20. The method as recited in claim 19wherein said raising elevates said handheld computer entirely above saidenclosing structure and wherein said lowering lowers said handheldcomputer system to entirely within said height dimension of saidenclosing structure.